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Good morning, everyone! Happy Friday.
Manuel Akanji Extends Contract
In the latest piece of good business by Borussia Dortmund’s front office, Manuel Akanji has “secretly” extended his contract by another year. According to Ruhr Nachrichten, the Swiss center back’s contract was originally set to expire in the summer of 2022, but has now been extended an extra year to the summer of 2023. The reason they use the term “secret” is that the club never formally announced the extension.
Manuel Akanji has always been something of an enigma. One week he can look like the defensive rock we need him to be, and the next week he can look like a 2. Bundesliga-caliber player. With this extension, BVB have signalled that they aren’t ready to give up on Akanji just yet.
Referee who Requested an Autograph from Haaland Suspended and Reprimanded
The Romanian FA has suspended Octavian Sovre, the linesman who requested an autograph from Erling Haaland in the tunnel of the Etihad Stadium following Borussia Dortmund’s defeat against Manchester City. Apparently, the referee likes to collect memorabilia from games to raise money for a center in Romania that takes care of children with autism. UEFA has also issued a reprimand to the referee.
Haaland-Autogramm mit Folgen: Sovre in Rumänien suspendiert - Schiedsrichter-Assistent bekommt auch UEFA-Rüge ab #BVB #BorussiaDortmund https://t.co/1EqKMmJp6y
— kicker ⬢ Borussia Dortmund (@kicker_BVB) April 9, 2021
This really is the perfect encapsulation of UEFA and world football organizations in general. In the same match that a referee made a blatantly wrong decision that took a goal away and has potentially altered the result, UEFA is more concerned with a referee trying to raise money for charity.
The Daily Buzz
What are your thoughts on Manuel Akanji? Is he good enough to remain a key figure in BVB’s lineup?